Scientists Release the First Draft of the Potato Genome

The first draft sequence of the potato genome has been released by the Potato Genome Sequencing Consortium, an international team of 39 scientists from 14 countries. The resulting blueprint, the scientists say, could revolutionize potato breeding programs. Access to the potato genome is anticipated to assist potato scientists in improving yield, quality, nutritional value and disease resistance of potato varieties.

Potato, a close cousin of tomato, eggplant and pepper, is the world's third most important crop. It is highly adaptive, and can be grown in a wide variety of climates and locales. It has been cultivated for at least 7000 years and recently has gained importance in Africa and many parts of Asia.

The potato genome has 12 chromosomes and is estimated to be 840 million base pairs, or about one-quarter the size of the human genome. The draft sequence, which covers 95 percent of potato genes, is available in the public domain at http://www.potatogenome.net/ and updates will be made in the next six months.

Read http://www.potatogenome.net/images/2/2e/PGSC_Press_Release_0909.pdf for more information.